KOCHI: A group of believers distributed pamphlets in churches under the Ernakulam-Angmaly archdiocese on Sunday during the Mass against the controversial land deal in the church. The pamphlets titled “The land deals in Ernakulam-Angmaly Archdiocese and Facts” blamed Cardinal George Alencherry, major archbishop of the church, and two other senior priests for the loss incurred due to the deals. The pamphlet brought out in the name of Archdiocese Movement for Transparency said it is not part of any liturgical dispute or power struggle within the Church. “The present response has been prompted by the desire to stand in solidarity with the resistance by the righteous”, the pamphlet said. It gave details of the financial loss incurred by the church and also pointed out that it has hit the church’s economic base.
The other major charges in the pamphlet include failure of the administrative system, violation of civil and canonical laws, loss of transparency in all areas and loss of moral power of the church. It was distributed even as Cardinal Alenchery made his first public response in the matter by saying that all issues connected with the land deal will be resolved soon. He said that all shortfalls pointed out against him will also be resolved. The Cardinal also those who supported him while speaking on the sidelines of a function at Kuruv-ilangad near Kottayam.
